Two ways a disposal gets power
Many disposals plug into an outlet in the sink cabinet, usually one controlled by a wall switch near the sink. That makes replacement simpler: the old unit is unplugged and the new one, fitted with a cord, is plugged in.
Others are hardwired, with the circuit wires connected directly inside a cover plate on the bottom of the unit. Replacing a hardwired disposal means disconnecting and reconnecting those wires. That is electrical work, and it should be done by someone qualified, with the circuit verified dead first.
Wall switch or air switch
Wall switch
- A standard switch on the backsplash or wall
- Controls the outlet or hardwired circuit
- Common in older kitchens
- Can wear out or loosen over time
Air switch
- A push button on the countertop or sink deck
- Sends a puff of air down a tube to a control box
- No electrical switch near the water
- The tube can come loose under the sink
Common situations and what to ask
| Situation | What it may involve | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a plug-in unit with a similar one | Plumbing work and a power cord | Whether a cord is included with the new unit |
| Replacing a hardwired unit | Disconnecting and reconnecting wiring | Who will do the wiring and how it is verified |
| Adding a disposal where there was none | New outlet, switch or circuit | Whether a permit is needed |
| Converting to an air switch | Countertop hole, control box, outlet | Sink or counter drilling and the control unit's power |
Permits: check with the city
Whether a permit is required depends on the scope of the work, and the rules belong to the city. Adding a disposal to a kitchen that never had one, running a new circuit, or adding an outlet are the kinds of jobs where a permit is more likely to come up. A straight swap of a plug-in unit is less likely to, but do not assume. Check with the City of Fullerton's building division, and ask the contractor whether they will pull any permit the job needs.
Note before the visit
- Is the disposal plugged in or hardwired?
- Is there a wall switch or an air switch?
- Is the outlet shared with the dishwasher?
- Does the breaker for the disposal have a clear label?
- Has the breaker or GFCI tripped recently?
Questions to ask
- Will you do the electrical connection, or will an electrician?
- Does this job need a permit, and who pulls it?
- Is the circuit adequate for the unit I am choosing?
- What is your CSLB license number and classification?
Common questions
Can I convert a hardwired disposal to a plug-in?
It is often possible but involves installing an outlet, which is electrical work. Ask a qualified professional and check with the city about permits.
Why does my air switch button do nothing?
The air tube under the sink may have come off the control box, or the control box may have failed. Check the tube with the power off.
Do new disposals come with a power cord?
Some do and some do not. Check the box or ask the installer before the visit.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.